In June, Japan recorded a spike in cases of streptococcal toxic shock syndrome a serious infection caused by a potentially fatal bacteria called Group A Streptococcus . This is a microorganism that lives naturally on the skin of many people, without causing disease. However, it can be transmitted to other individuals through contact with infected wounds or through droplets from talking, sneezing and coughing.
According to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), bacteria Streptococcus group A can cause different types of infections, ranging from mild to severe. The most common are erysipelas, impetigo, scarlet fever and strep throat. Among the most serious diseases are infectious cellulitis, necrotizing fasciitis and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome, which led to the outbreak in Japan.
“O Streptococcus group A is a bacteria that normally stays on people’s skin. Eventually, it can cause infection, taking advantage of some injury or low immunity”, explains Alberto Chebabo, infectious disease doctor and President of the Brazilian Society of Infectious Diseases, to CNN .
Bacterial infection Streptococcus of group A can be fatal when it reaches the bloodstream. “It produces a toxin that, when it reaches the blood, can lead to generalized infections, as is the case with streptococcal toxic shock syndrome”, adds the specialist.
How is the bacteria transmitted?
The bacteria Streptococcus group A are extremely contagious. Although some people live with the bacteria on their skin without developing diseases, they can infect other people, especially in those who have low immunity or those who have conditions that are risk factors for infection.
According to the CDC, transmission occurs through respiratory droplets or direct contact with infected skin wounds. Rarely, bacteria are transmitted by food that is not handled properly.
What are the most common symptoms?
In the case of throat infection, symptoms related to contamination by Streptococcus group A include sore throat, pain when swallowing and fever. In skin infections, such as impetigo, it can cause redness, swelling, fever, abscess formation (excess pus), scaling and local heat.
In relation to serious infections, feelings such as fever, drop in pressure, necrosis (death) of the skin, peeling, formation of pus collections and even lead to death may appear.
“Toxic shock syndrome is the most serious manifestation of Streptococcus group A. It is characterized by a serious skin infection, in which necrosis occurs in all layers of the skin, as well as deeper layers such as subcutaneous cellular tissue and muscle [fáscia]. In a third of cases, this condition can evolve into a generalized infection, with a drop in blood pressure, multiple organ failure and even death”, explains Vinicius Lacerda, digestive system surgeon, to CNN .
In addition to these symptoms, toxic shock syndrome can cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. “This happens largely due to the effect of the toxin caused by the bacteria in the digestive tract, as well as the effects of poor circulation caused by septic shock resulting from the generalized infection”, he explains.
“Flesh-eating bacteria”
The bacteria Streptococcus group A is also known as a “meat eater”. According to the specialist, this symptom is related to necrotizing fasciitis, one of the infections caused by the bacteria. As the infection progresses, blisters, ulcers and black spots may appear, leading to necrosis (death) of the skin.
“She gets her name [devoradora de carne] for producing a toxin called NDAse, which is an enzyme with the power to destroy its host’s cells, thus causing tissue necrosis”, explains Lacerda.
Risk factors and groups for serious infection
According to the CDC, viral infections, such as the flu or chickenpox, can increase your risk of getting a serious chickenpox infection. Streptococcus of group A. In addition, people who are immunosuppressed, have cancer, chronic heart, kidney or lung disease, diabetes or skin diseases are at greater risk for serious infection.
Another important risk factor is the prolonged use of tampons, according to Chebabo. “Prolonged use can lead to a large proliferation of bacteria, which can cause toxic shock syndrome,” he says.
Other factors that present risks of serious infection by Streptococcus from group A include:
- Skin trauma;
- Recent surgeries;
- HIV infection;
- Intravenous drug use;
- Burns; It is
- Obesity.
How is the treatment carried out?
The treatment of infections caused by Streptococcus group A includes the use of antibiotics and is generally carried out in a hospital environment with intensive care, especially in cases of toxic shock syndrome, with support with drugs to maintain blood pressure, use of ventilators and hemodialysis, as explained by Lacerda.
“In cases of necrotizing fasciitis, surgical repair is mandatory, that is, the total removal of the devitalized, rotten tissue affected by the bacteria”, he adds.
How to prevent?
According to Chebabo, preventing infection by Streptococcus of group A is made preventing risk factors associated with contamination . “Avoiding and treating skin lesions and mycoses is a form of prevention, as they can be a gateway for this bacteria, especially in people with compromised immunity and within the risk group”, says the specialist.
Furthermore, the CDC advises that preventing Streptococcus group A focuses on three objectives: limiting exposure and spread of bacteria; Treat infections immediately, and use preventative antibiotics when necessary.
Source: CNN Brasil
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